Original Medicare does not cover gym or fitness center memberships. But private Medicare plans, like Medicare Advantage or Medigap, might cover gym memberships and other fitness services.
Original Medicare covers inpatient and outpatient medical care and some preventive care services. However, gym memberships and fitness programs are not part of that coverage.
Optional Medicare plans like Medicare Advantage and Medigap, on the other hand, may offer coverage for fitness services.
Let’s examine how to cover your fitness costs under these plans and the healthy lifestyle benefits that Original Medicare will cover.
Original Medicare has two parts. Part A covers inpatient hospital services, while Part B covers outpatient medical care and some preventive services.
While it might seem like fitness programs could fall under preventive care, Part B coverage is limited to programs or items that support physical health for medical conditions. These include:
- occupational therapy
- physical therapy
- speech therapy
- cardiac rehabilitation
- chiropractic care
- durable medical equipment
Without a medical diagnosis that requires some physical therapy or rehabilitation, you’ll need to pay the full cost of fitness center or gym memberships out of pocket if you have only Original Medicare.
You can opt into optional Medicare plans, such as Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap). These plans may cover fitness center and gym fees. Coverage varies by plan type, location, and how much you’re willing to pay for your plan.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an optional plan offered by private insurance companies. These plans must cover at least as much as Original Medicare in terms of inpatient, outpatient, and preventive care services.
Most plans may also offer additional services beyond Original Medicare.
The extra benefits each plan offers depend on:
- the insurance provider
- your location
- the services you choose to include in your plan
- how much you can pay for coverage
Some Advantage plans may also include coverage for specific fitness programs such as:
- SilverSneakers: The SilverSneakers fitness program is designed for adults ages 65 years and older. Eligibility criteria vary by plan, but you can check your eligibility through your plan provider or on the SilverSneakers website.
- Renew Active: Renew Active is a United Healthcare program includes a gym membership, an online brain health program, and access to local health and wellness events.
- Silver&Fit: This program offers online or in-person fitness services at more than 20,900 locations nationwide.
If you’re interested in fitness services, ask about coverage for these benefits when selecting your Medicare Advantage plan.
Gym memberships and costs for fitness programs are covered less often by Medigap plans than by Medicare Advantage plans.
Typically, Medigap plans are geared more toward covering your share of Original Medicare services than extra services like fitness programs. However, some plans may include options for fitness program coverage.
If you need fitness membership coverage, compare Medigap plans carefully before enrolling.
Outside of coverage for fitness programs or gym memberships, Medicare covers a variety of services geared toward wellness.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover many wellness services, either considered medically necessary or as a supplemental service under an Advantage plan. These services include:
- diabetes care
- heart health and cholesterol programs
- preventive health screenings
- mental health visits
- addiction and substance use disorder services
- smoking cessation program
- nutritional counseling
- dental care
- weight loss surgery
Original Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of gym memberships or fitness programs. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer participation in national fitness programs like SilverSneakers or offer members an allowance for fitness program reimbursement.
Medigap plans sometimes cover fitness benefits. Beyond fitness programs, Medicare covers a wide variety of services aimed at promoting your overall wellness.